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An initiative aimed at encouraging road users and motorists to set aside their cars for a day tagged ‘Car Free Day’, holds in Lagos on Sunday.
Dr Frederic Oladeinde, the Commissioner for Transportation, made this known in a statement through the Deputy Director, Public Affairs Unit of the Ministry, Mrs Bolanle Ogunlola, in Lagos on Friday.
Oladeinde said road users and motorists are encouraged to take up active and inclusive means of transport such as cycling and walking, known as Non-Motorized Transport (NMT) on that day.
“Traffic will be diverted around Alausa/Ikeja as cyclists will utilise Governor’s Office Road, through Mobolaji Johnson Ave, Billings Way, Obafemi Awolowo Way, Aromire, Adeniyi Jones, and Oba Akran Way for bicycle rides to mark the event.
“About 400 metres of Governor’s Avenue will be closed for the event. The initiative aims to create awareness about the benefits of Non-Motorised Transport, including reduced environmental pollution.
“The initiative will also reduce insufficient physical activity and sedentary behaviour to promote the health of the people regardless of their ages,” Oladeinde said.
He cited the significant drop in air pollution recorded during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns when movement was curtailed and many private cars and public vehicles were off the roads.
According to the commissioner, this resulted in a reduction of vehicular carbon emissions into the atmosphere, thereby improving the quality of air, as well as an increase in physical exercise and improved health practices.
“Vehicular emissions have now become a global issue. In Nigeria as well as other developing countries, 25% of the air pollution problems are a result of automobile exhaust.
“This is very evident in the number of unroadworthy, smoky vehicles plying our roads on daily basis, causing not just health issues but visibility problems and sometimes accidents,” Oladeinde said.
He also mentioned that the event provides cities and governments with the opportunity to do more in advancing public transport systems which could be run more efficiently through the provision of a viable, reliable alternative to the cars in the urban areas.
The commissioner said that this could also be done by implementing Non-Motorised transport, whereby walking, cycling and inclusive mobility were given priority.
Oladeinde said that the event was coordinated by the Lagos State Ministry of Transportation along with other Ministries, Departments, Agencies and Lagos Urban Development Initiative.
He said that the event was necessary to continuously enlighten the citizenry on the importance of environmental health.
However, Oladeinde urged motorists to prepare to join the rest of the world in observing the Car Free Day, adding that hundreds of people were expected.
He urged participants to be at the Alausa, Ikeja venue where many fun and exciting activities such as cycling, cycling training, cycling competitions, skating, stretches, music, and dance would take place.
Oladeinde said that Lagos State Traffic Management Authority would work hand in hand with the Nigeria Police Force to manage vehicular movement on the diversion routes and pleaded with the motoring public to cooperate with the interventions put in place to minimise inconveniences.
The Lagos State Government is observe the day for the first time ever.
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